Liverpool advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 5-1 thrashing of West Ham at Anfield, putting a return to Wembley in their sights.

After a fantastic strike from Dominik Szoboszlai got the Reds going, Curtis Jones scored the second goal after the break, threading it home from a tight angle.

Jarrod Bowen scored a goal to give the Hammers a chance, but goals from Mohamed Salah and another from Jones put the game away after Cody Gakpo had put Liverpool up 3-0.In the new year, Jurgen Klopp’s squad will play Fulham in the first of two legs of the semi-final.

With 6.5, Caoimhin Kelleher

West Ham didn’t have a shot until the 71st minute, and it went wide, therefore he was almost rated as ‘N/A’ because he didn’t accomplish anything.

Despite his dominating performance in the second half, Kelleher was unable to prevent Bowen’s goal.

Jose Gomez – 6.5

Despite making 195 appearances for Liverpool, he has yet to score a goal—though he is getting there!

Here, Gomez flubbed a pair of opportunities. The 26-year-old’s play as an оffensive full-back has developed significantly throughout the course of the season.

Ajalli Quansah – eight

Surprisingly, he was a League One player only a year ago. The highest praise anyone can offer Quansah is the impression that he has been a part of this Liverpool squad for a very long time. Composed when on the ball, alert to position and strategy.

Not only did he make a fantastic early tackle on Bowen, but he also set up Liverpool’s first goal with an enthusiastic interception. Scored goals by completing key passes.Theo Van Dijk – 6.5

He helped young Jarell Quansah learn the ropes and set the tone every time he passed out from behind the arc.

Came off the bench at the 60-minute mark, and honestly, there isn’t much to sаy about Van Dijk’s defensive play because West Ham provided, well, nothing.

Tsimikas Kostas – 7

Intercepted a Bowen attempt at the back post from Fornals on 54 minutes during a rare West Ham аssаult, making a crucial save with a sliding block. The score was 1-0.

As usual, the Greek fullback provided width and attacking vigor.

Ample breadth. Great stop as Bowen sought Fornals in the back post.

A 6.5 from Wataru Endo

The captain of Japan’s national team had a few early miscommunications, but he settled into the game and did a good job of defending the opposition.

Going to the Asia Cup will meаn losing him as a roster option, but coming off the bench early suggests he might play a significant role against Arsenal.

Max Szoboszlai – 8

Szoboszlai had his greatest performance in almost a month, despite a couple of careless touches early on.

Of Liverpool’s five goals, his was the best, and with some more fortune on his side, he could have scored two more. When allowed the freedom to roam, he truly shines.

Jones, Curtis — nine

Elliott, who scored twice, is almost edged out for man of the match.

Although Jones has matured defensively this season, the Scouser stormed aggressively through midfield, making this a distinct performance.

Both goals were accomplished with ease; the second was much better.Elliott, Harvey—8.5

Offered a window into what Liverpool’s right-hand wing might look like when Salah goes to the African Cup of Nations.

Whether cutting in, taking guys on, or going to the byline, he is a constant source of energy.

He kept sprinting and producing, but he was unlucky not to score himself.

Cody Gakpo – eight

It is possible that the Dutchman might unseat Nunez as the starting left back against Arsenal, given that he was substituted.

Whether going for the gantlet or diving deep, you were a good leader. His goal was beautifully finished, and Gakpo’s passing was excellent.

Seventh place, Darwin Nunez (BOOKED)

Despite Nunez’s goal drought (11 games), the Uruguayan played significantly better in this matchup while he was on the left wing.

So unlucky not to score as Areоla made a fine save towards the end but Nunez was a constant nuisance.Possible substitutions

Ibrahima Konate (for Van Dijk, 60) – 6

Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Endo, 60) – 6

Mohamed Salah (for Szoboszlai, 60) – 6

Conor Bradley (for Tsimikas, 68) — six

Luis Diaz (for Gakpo 78)

Unused substitutes: Adrian, Bobby Clark, Kaide Gordon, James McConnell.

Manager

Jurgen Klopp – 7

Can’t complain about anything. Found a perfect balance between the ‘rest and rhythm’ he so craves, with none of his star me𝚗 playing the full 90 minutes.

Will be delighted with how his decision to play Gakpo centrally and Nunez out wide turned out.